Can you frame canvas art yourself? Yes, absolutely! Framing canvas art at home is a rewarding DIY project that can significantly enhance the look of your artwork and your living space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to frame your canvas art, from basic canvas mounting to achieving a professional gallery wrap finish. Whether you’re framing a treasured painting or art prints, these easy steps will help you create stunning displays.
Why Frame Your Canvas Art?
Framing your canvas art does more than just make it look pretty. It protects your artwork from dust, moisture, and damage, extending its lifespan. A well-chosen frame complements the style of your painting or print, and it also helps to anchor the artwork to your wall, making it a focal point in any room. The right picture framing for canvas can transform a simple piece into a statement.
Types of Canvas Framing
There are several popular ways to frame canvas art, each offering a different aesthetic.
1. The Floating Frame
A floating frame is a popular choice for canvas art because it creates the illusion that the canvas is “floating” within the frame, with a small gap between the canvas edge and the frame. This modern look is perfect for contemporary art and adds a touch of sophistication.
How it works:
* A hidden wooden or metal support is attached to the back of the canvas.
* This support is then screwed into the frame, holding the canvas securely.
* The gap around the canvas gives it that distinctive floating appearance.
Pros:
* Modern and elegant.
* Highlights the artwork without overwhelming it.
* Easy to install.
Cons:
* Can be more expensive than other framing options.
* May not suit very traditional artwork.
2. The Canvas Wrap (Gallery Wrap)
Canvas wrapping, often referred to as a gallery wrap, involves stretching the canvas around a wooden stretcher bar frame and then wrapping the excess canvas around the sides and securing it on the back. This creates a clean, frameless look that is ready to hang.
How it works:
* The canvas is pulled taut over a wooden stretcher bar frame.
* The edges of the canvas are folded neatly and stapled or glued to the back of the frame.
* You can choose to have the image continue around the sides (gallery wrap) or have the sides painted a solid color.
Pros:
* Minimalist and contemporary.
* Emphasizes the artwork itself.
* No additional frame needed, saving costs.
Cons:
* Requires careful stretching to avoid wrinkles.
* May not offer the same level of protection as a traditional frame.
3. Traditional Framing
This involves using a standard picture frame with a mat (optional) and glass or acrylic to protect the artwork. The canvas is typically mounted onto a rigid backing board.
How it works:
* The canvas is adhered to a backing board.
* A mat can be placed between the canvas and the frame opening to add visual space.
* The canvas and mat are then placed behind glass or acrylic and secured within the frame.
Pros:
* Offers maximum protection.
* Versatile for various art styles.
* Can incorporate mats for added visual interest.
Cons:
* Can be more expensive, especially with custom matting and glass.
* Glass can cause glare.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your materials. The specific tools will depend on the framing method you choose, but here’s a general list:
For Canvas Stretching (Gallery Wrap & Floating Frames):
* Wooden stretcher bars (pre-made or cut to size)
* Canvas
* Staple gun and heavy-duty staples
* Tacker or canvas pliers
* Level
* Hammer
* Measuring tape
* Utility knife or sharp scissors
* Optional: Corner clamps, wood glue
For Traditional Framing:
* Ready-made frame or custom framing materials
* Mat board (if using)
* Glass or acrylic pane
* Backing board (acid-free foam core or mat board)
* Frame backing paper
* Mounting tape or photo corners (acid-free)
* Picture frame hardware (hangers, wire)
* Chisel or screwdriver (for opening the frame)
* Glass cleaner and soft cloth
Step-by-Step Guide to Canvas Stretching (Gallery Wrap)
Stretching canvas is a foundational skill for DIY canvas framing. A tight, even stretch is key to a professional finish.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Find a clean, flat, and spacious area. Lay down a drop cloth or old sheets to protect your surface from dust and potential paint.
Step 2: Assemble the Stretcher Bars
If you’re using pre-assembled stretcher bars, you can skip this. If not, you’ll need to assemble them.
* Most stretcher bars have pre-cut notches that fit together.
* Slide the corner pieces together.
* Use a hammer to gently tap them into place. For added strength, you can add a small amount of wood glue to the notches before joining.
* Ensure the frame is square by measuring the diagonals. They should be equal. Corner clamps can be very helpful here.
Step 3: Position the Canvas
Lay your canvas face down on your prepared workspace. Place the assembled stretcher frame on top of the canvas, centering it. Ensure there’s enough excess canvas on all sides to wrap around the bars – typically 2-3 inches.
Step 4: Secure the First Edge
Start with one side. Pull the canvas taut over the stretcher bar. Use a staple gun to attach the canvas to the back of the stretcher bar, about 1-2 inches in from the corner.
Step 5: Stretch and Secure the Opposite Edge
Go to the opposite side of the canvas. Pull the canvas firmly over the stretcher bar. Use canvas pliers or a tacker to get a good, even tension. Then, staple the canvas to the back of the stretcher bar. The key here is consistent tension to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Step 6: Stretch and Secure the Remaining Edges
Now, work on the remaining two sides. Repeat the process: pull the canvas taut, especially in the center, and staple it to the back of the stretcher bar.
Step 7: Neatening the Corners (The “Hospital Fold”)
This is where the magic happens for a clean gallery wrap finish.
* For each corner, fold the excess canvas fabric neatly, creating a pleat or fold. Imagine folding a present.
* Pull the fabric tightly around the corner and staple it securely to the back of the stretcher bar.
* Trim any excess fabric if it looks too bulky.
Step 8: Final Touches
Flip your stretched canvas over. It should be taut and smooth. Check for any loose staples and hammer them down. Your canvas is now ready for hanging or further framing.
Creating a Floating Frame
A floating frame adds a beautiful dimension to your stretched canvas. Here’s how to achieve that “floating” look.
Step 1: Choose Your Floating Frame
Floating frames come in various depths and styles. You’ll need to select a frame that is slightly larger than your stretched canvas, allowing for the intended gap. The internal dimensions of the frame should be larger than the outside dimensions of your stretched canvas.
Step 2: Attach Support Strips
This is the crucial step for creating the “float.”
* You’ll need thin strips of wood (often called molding or strips) that are slightly shorter than the sides of your stretched canvas.
* These strips will be attached to the back of your stretched canvas, offset from the edges.
* Position these strips so that when the canvas is placed in the frame, they will rest on the inside lip of the frame, holding the canvas up and creating the gap.
* Use wood glue and small screws or staples to attach these support strips to the back of the stretcher bars. Ensure they are level and parallel to the sides.
Step 3: Prepare the Frame
Most floating frames have a rabbet (a recessed edge) where the artwork sits. You’ll be placing your canvas inside this rabbet, supported by your attached strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Floating Frame
- Place the frame face down.
- Carefully place your stretched canvas, with the attached support strips, into the frame. The support strips should rest on the frame’s inner lip.
- You might need to secure the canvas to the frame using small nails, screws, or framing points. These are usually inserted from the back of the frame into the support strips.
Step 5: Finishing the Back
- Once the canvas is securely in place, you can use backing paper to cover the exposed back of the frame and stretcher bars. This gives a clean, finished look and helps protect the artwork from dust.
- Attach hanging hardware to the back of the frame.
Framing Art Prints: A Different Approach
Framing art prints often involves a few more considerations, particularly if the print is on paper rather than canvas.
Step 1: Preparing the Art Print
- Handle with care: Always wear cotton gloves when handling prints to avoid fingerprints.
- Matting: Decide if you want a mat. A mat adds visual space around the print, making it easier to handle and frame, and it also helps protect the print from touching the glass.
- Mounting: For paper prints, you’ll typically mount them onto a backing board using acid-free methods like photo corners or archival mounting tape. This prevents the print from buckling. Canvas mounting for prints usually means adhering them to a rigid board.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Frame
- Frame Size: Select a frame that accommodates the mat and print size. If you’re not using a mat, choose a frame that fits the outer dimensions of your print with a small overlap for securing.
- Style: The frame style should complement the art print. Modern prints might suit sleek metal or minimalist wood frames, while vintage prints could look great in ornate or distressed frames.
Step 3: Assembling the Framed Print
- Clean: Ensure the glass or acrylic is perfectly clean.
- Layering: Place the backing board, then the mat (if used), then the mounted print into the frame.
- Securing: Secure the layers using the frame’s existing clips or by adding new framing points or staples around the edge.
- Backing Paper: Seal the back with framing paper for a professional finish.
Step 4: Adding Hanging Hardware
Attach appropriate hanging hardware to the back of the frame. The weight of the framed piece will determine the type of hardware needed.
Custom Canvas Framing vs. DIY
While this guide focuses on DIY, it’s worth noting the option of custom canvas framing.
| Feature | DIY Framing | Custom Framing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally lower | Can be significantly higher |
| Time Investment | Requires your time and effort | Saves you time |
| Control | Full control over every step | Less direct control, but professional results |
| Materials | You source all materials | Professionals select and provide materials |
| Expertise | You learn and execute the skills | Done by experienced professionals |
| Complexity | Can be challenging for intricate designs | Handles complex requirements easily |
| Customization | Limited by your skills and available materials | Virtually unlimited customization options |
For simple canvas stretching or basic framing, DIY is a great option. For valuable artwork or when you desire a highly specialized or intricate look, custom canvas framing can be the better choice.
Tips for Perfect Canvas Mounting
Canvas mounting refers to attaching your canvas securely to a backing. This is crucial for a flat, stable display, especially when not using a traditional frame with glass.
- Use Acid-Free Materials: Always use acid-free adhesives and backing boards to prevent discoloration and damage to your canvas over time.
- Even Tension: Ensure your canvas is stretched evenly before mounting.
- Adhesive Choice: Archival spray adhesives or double-sided archival tapes are good options. Apply them evenly.
- Backing Board: Foam core or rigid mat board are common choices for backing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Framing Canvas Art
What is gallery wrap canvas?
Gallery wrap canvas refers to artwork that has been stretched over a wooden stretcher bar frame, with the canvas edges folded and stapled or glued to the back. This creates a clean, frameless look where the image can either end at the front edge or continue around the sides, giving a three-dimensional appearance.
Can I frame a canvas painting without glass?
Yes, you can frame a canvas painting without glass. The gallery wrap style is the most common way to display a canvas without glass, offering a minimalist and modern look. Floating frames also allow the canvas to be displayed without glass. If you are using a traditional frame, you might opt for acrylic instead of glass for lighter weight and reduced breakage risk, but it’s less common to leave it completely open unless the artwork is specifically intended for that finish.
What is the best way to frame a painting?
The best way to frame a painting depends on the style of the painting and the desired aesthetic.
* For a modern look: A floating frame or a gallery wrap is ideal.
* For a classic or traditional look: A conventional frame with a mat and glass can be very effective.
* For protection: A traditional frame with glass or acrylic offers the most protection.
* For simplicity: A gallery wrap is the most straightforward and cost-effective.
How do I stretch canvas myself?
To stretch canvas yourself, you’ll need stretcher bars, a canvas, a staple gun, and canvas pliers. Assemble the stretcher bars into a square or rectangle. Lay the canvas face down, place the frame on top, and pull the canvas taut over the frame, stapling it securely to the back of the bars, working opposite sides to maintain even tension. Pay close attention to neatening the corners for a professional finish.
What is canvas mounting?
Canvas mounting is the process of attaching a stretched canvas to a rigid backing board. This adds support and stability to the canvas, preventing warping or sagging. It’s a common step when preparing a canvas for traditional framing or for specific display purposes like shadow box framing.
What is picture framing for canvas?
Picture framing for canvas refers to the various methods and styles used to enclose and display a canvas artwork. This can include traditional framed styles with mats and glass, modern floating frames, or the simple, frameless gallery wrap. The goal of picture framing for canvas is to enhance the artwork’s presentation, protect it, and integrate it into a room’s decor.
How do you secure a canvas in a frame without staples?
You can secure a canvas in a frame without staples using several methods:
* Framing Points/Glaziers Points: These small metal tabs are pushed into the back of the frame to hold the artwork in place.
* Adhesives: Archival mounting tape or spray adhesive can be used to attach the canvas to a backing board, which is then secured in the frame.
* Clips or Brackets: Some frames come with specific clips designed to hold canvas or art boards.
* Floating Frame Supports: As detailed in the floating frame section, support strips are attached to the canvas and then screwed or clipped into the frame itself.
How do I make a DIY canvas frame?
You can make a DIY canvas frame by:
1. Stretching the canvas: Follow the gallery wrap steps to stretch your canvas tightly over stretcher bars.
2. Adding a floating frame: Attach wooden support strips to the back of the stretched canvas, then place this into a purchased frame slightly larger than the canvas.
3. Using a traditional frame: Purchase a ready-made frame that fits your canvas dimensions and secure the canvas (often mounted on a board) within it using framing points or tape.
What is custom canvas framing?
Custom canvas framing is a professional service where a frame is created specifically to fit your canvas artwork. This allows for precise sizing, unique material choices (wood types, finishes), custom matting, and special glazing options. It’s ideal for valuable or uniquely sized artworks where a standard frame won’t suffice.
Conclusion
Framing your canvas art is a rewarding endeavor that can elevate your artwork and your home. Whether you opt for the clean, modern look of a gallery wrap, the sophisticated illusion of a floating frame, or the classic protection of traditional picture framing for canvas, these easy steps will guide you through the process. With a little patience and the right materials, you can achieve professional-looking results that showcase your art beautifully. Happy framing!